smear campaign: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal; used in journalism, political discourse, academic analysis of media/politics, and corporate communications.
Quick answer
What does “smear campaign” mean?
A coordinated effort to damage someone's reputation by spreading false or misleading information.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A coordinated effort to damage someone's reputation by spreading false or misleading information.
A sustained and deliberate series of attacks using slander, innuendo, fabricated stories, or selective presentation of facts, often carried out through media, social networks, or anonymous sources, with the intent to discredit a person, group, or organization, especially in the context of politics, public relations, or competitive environments.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Conceptually identical and equally common in both political and media lexicons.
Connotations
Slightly stronger association with tabloid journalism in UK contexts, while in US contexts it is heavily associated with political operatives and 'opposition research'.
Frequency
High frequency in political reporting in both varieties. Slightly more common in American English due to the scale and intensity of its electoral politics.
Grammar
How to Use “smear campaign” in a Sentence
[Subject: Person/Group] launched a smear campaign against [Target].The [Target] was subjected to a smear campaign by [Agent].A smear campaign is being waged (against X).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “smear campaign” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The MP claimed the tabloid stories were part of a coordinated smear campaign funded by his opponents.
- After the leak, the CEO faced a brutal smear campaign that questioned her personal integrity.
American English
- The senator's team was accused of launching a smear campaign against her primary challenger.
- Social media has become a powerful tool for waging anonymous smear campaigns.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Uncommon but possible in the context of corporate rivalries or hostile takeovers where executives are discredited.
Academic
Used in political science, media studies, and sociology to analyze electoral politics, propaganda, and media bias.
Everyday
Used by informed citizens discussing politics, scandals, or celebrity feuds reported in the media.
Technical
Used in political consultancy, public relations, and legal contexts (e.g., libel cases).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “smear campaign”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “smear campaign”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “smear campaign”
- Using it for a single critical article (requires a 'campaign', i.e., multiple actions).
- Confusing with 'negative advertising', which may criticise policies, not character.
- Incorrectly using as a verb: 'They tried to smear campaign him.' (Correct: 'They tried to smear him' or 'They launched a smear campaign against him.')
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily, though it may involve illegal acts like libel or slander. It describes a coordinated strategy, which may use legal but unethical means like spreading misleading truths, innuendo, or exploiting bias.
Yes. While often personal, the target can be a corporation, NGO, or any entity. The campaign would aim to destroy public trust in the organization's brand, leadership, or motives.
A 'smear' is a single act of defamation or damaging remark. A 'smear campaign' is a planned, prolonged series of such acts, often using multiple channels, to achieve a strategic goal.
Not exactly. Negative campaigning criticizes an opponent's policies, record, or qualifications. A smear campaign attacks personal character, morals, or reputation, often with false or misleading information. All smear campaigns are negative, but not all negative campaigning is a smear.
A coordinated effort to damage someone's reputation by spreading false or misleading information.
Smear campaign is usually formal; used in journalism, political discourse, academic analysis of media/politics, and corporate communications. in register.
Smear campaign: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsmɪə kæmˌpeɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsmɪr kæmˌpeɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Play the man, not the ball. (related concept)”
- “Throw mud and see what sticks. (related concept)”
- “A hit piece.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of literally SMEARING dirty paint on a clean poster of someone's face during an election CAMPAIGN. The act is deliberate, messy, and aims to make them look bad.
Conceptual Metaphor
REPUTATION IS CLEANLINESS / HONOUR IS A WHITE SURFACE. Attacking it is SMEARING DIRT (lies, rumours). POLITICS IS WAR. A 'campaign' is a sustained, strategic battle.
Practice
Quiz
What is the KEY element that distinguishes a 'smear campaign' from simple criticism?